---

It is not wisdom from God

James 3:15 "This wisdom does not descend from above, ..."

Worldly wisdom is not a gift from God, nor is it something anyone asks God for (James 1:5 ). Behind this wisdom that is not from heaven, is soulish or human power, which is a substitute for spiritual power. This false wisdom knows nothing of the demonstration and power of the Holy Spirit, because it is not inspired by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:4-5 ).

---

It is earthly as to its nature and focus

James 3:15 "... but is earthly ..."

In describing worldly wisdom as earthly, James means in a bad sense. This kind of wisdom has no point of view of heaven - it is set on earthly things:

Philippians 3:19 ".... who set their mind on earthly things."

It focusses on the physical and material interests, treating spiritual things with disdain and neglect.

---

It encourages indulging in self-gratification

James 3:15 "... but is ... sensual, ..."

This kind of so-called wisdom incites indulging physical appetites and sinful desires without restraint. We are not to be deceived by these sensual teachers (Philippians 3:19 ):

Romans 16:18 "For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."

It is not a surprise to us that such teachers of a sinful lifestyle are around today. The apostle warned it would be so - such teachers who have no respect for spiritual things, and who do not understand them (1 Corinthians 2:14 ). They are the mockers of the last days who urge their hearers to an uninhibited and unrestrained, lustful way of life. They are sensual and divisive persons who do not have the Holy Spirit (Jude 18,19 ). The tragic effects of sensual teachers is much in evidence and is indicative that we live in days that are ripe for the judgment of God.

---

It is described as being demonic

James 3:15 "... but is ... demonic."

Some would interpret this as meaning that the behaviour of those who hold and propagate this false wisdom, is devilish. What is stated here by James, goes further. It is saying that the earthly, sensual teaching is inspired by demons who, like Satan they serve, "lie against the truth" (James 3:14 NKJV). Demons stir to hatred of the truth and holiness of life.

John 8:44 "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him."

Like the serpent in his deception of Eve, demons with craftiness corrupt from real devotion to Christ the truth. (2 Corinthians 11:3 ). This activity of demons is explicitly shown by the Holy Spirit to be effective particularly in "later times" of the Church.

1 Timothy 4:1 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"

These have been and will be, those who abandon the faith, and instead of hearing and receiving Holy Spirit teaching, listen to deceiving demons and their teaching.

James 3:16 "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work."

No good comes from bitter envy and selfish ambition. The terrible harvest that comes from the sowing of such seed is being reaped in the world today. National and community strife tearing and destroying, accompanied by terrible confusion, disharmony and lawlessness. All as a result of rejecting true wisdom from God and putting in its place man's self-deification and trust in his own cleverness. Where these works of the flesh, envy, jealousy, pride and self-assertion and lording it over others (Galatians 5:19-21 ), are not dealt with in any Christian community in the way Jesus taught (Matthew 18:15-20 ), disharmony can result in disintegration.

Destruction is certain when evil practices go unchallenged because those practicing the evil refuse and hate the light, and won't come to the light, fearing its exposure (John 3:20 ). Protection from every evil thing, for God's people, is made possible by walking in the light (1 John 1:7 ), and living and walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25 ). The warning of James should cause Christians to comply with Paul's direct words:

Galatians 5:26 "Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."